Obligation to respond: what is your take?

[kRN0512]

I've recently been thinking alot about how, as a nurse, one is supposed to handle injuries/medical situations in the public setting that may come up when one is "off the clock". I want to be helpful but I'm also concerned about liability and the appropriateness of it all.

For example, I was at a softball game one evening and a player took a hit to the face. All the other players and the coaches immediately rushed out to the field and seemed to be handling the situation appropriately (ice to injury, asking appropriate questions, assisting to seated position, etc) and ultimately sent him to the ER as a precaution. I just kind of hung out in the background monitoring it all and asked a question or two but, really, had no part it the process. They were doing everything I felt I would've have done anyway and I felt like I would have just be in the way.

What would you do if a situation like this or any medical situation came up in a public setting? Would you feel obligated to respond or give advice on what should be done whether or not you're asked to help?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

That situation? Just watch. I only intervene if someone may be inflicting harm (ie telling someone with a likely cspine injury or obvious fracture to walk it off). Perhaps call 911

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

I would do the same. If it is being handled appropriately no need to intervene.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

If you are concerned about liability, see if your state/province/country has a Good Samaritan law...and if it does have such a law, see what that law in your area specifically covers and excludes, since Good Samaritan laws can vary widely.

[Future FNP 14]

Good Samaritan Law. I usually will intervene depending on the age-child/geri; it's a moral and ethical decision.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I would not intervene if the situation is being handled appropriately. Otherwise, call for help and announce to victim or parent that you are a nurse and offer to assist. Not much you can do anyway/

[NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN]

I agree with the wait and watch crowd. Do a quick check: Is air going in and out? Is blood going round and round? Is the person conscious? Usually you won't have to do anything.

It's all about the ABCs.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

Good Samaritan Law. I usually will intervene depending on the age-child/geri; it's a moral and ethical decision.

Regarding nurses and the Good Samaritan Law:

Providing care in a nonemergency - say, helping a diabetic neighbor with a routine insulin injection - is not protected.^2,3

The laws vary from state to state; however, the basic premise is healthcare providers who act in good faith are protected, but those who injure patients as a result of gross negligence or willful misconduct are not. The care provided must be rendered free of charge. And finally, once emergency aid is offered, there is a legal duty to remain with the victim until he or she is stable or another provider with equivalent or higher training provides relief. Otherwise, there could be a charge of abandonment.^2-4

Liabilities of Responding

Good Samaritan laws pertain to care rendered in emergency situations only. These situations are defined as accidents, disasters or any unanticipated catastrophes that carry an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. These laws do not cover health advice given by a provider to a friend or relative; in these situations, the healthcare provider must abide by their respective standards of care.⁵

Being a Good Samaritan on ADVANCE for Nurses

[Mom2boysRN]

I do what everyone else has said. I observe and if the situation is being handled appropriately I don't intervene, if it isn't then I do. I will identify myself as a nurse and offer my assistance.

[Asystole RN]

Do what you can with the education, training, skills, and equipment that you have available.

As long as you stick to what you KNOW, not what you see on TV, you will be ok. It is the legal, but most importantly, the ethical thing to do.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

If the situation seems to be handled, I hang back. If someone is doing something obviously inappropriate "he's having a seizure! Get me something to put in his mouth so he doesn't swallow his tongue..." THEN I'd most definitely intervene.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

The belief that nurses are equivalent to first responders is a misconception of the general public. Probably spread by television. Some nurses have emergency response experience, some don't.